So … I’m going to show you what I got for my birthday, but don’t be alarmed OK? Don’t say “Shanna what the heck? Your family got you crap!” No need to pity me, I received just what I wanted. Sometimes what DIY’ers ask for might be a little scary to “normal” people.
Let’s start with number one: A vintage typewriter to decorate or stage my furniture pieces. When I take photos of the furniture I’m ready to sell, I like to “stage” it — make it look like it might if you owned it, and it was in your home. It makes the piece more inviting than if it was setting up against a stark white wall with nothing on it.
2. Old cruddy bookshelves! Oh yeah! These babies are going to be great when they’re finished! Now these are going to take a little bit of work. I’m intend to paint them ivory and distress them. I’m also going to paint the back of the shelves turquoise (because there is no such thing as too much turquoise). Plus, I have some great silver, white and turquoise accessories to decorate with. And once they’re complete, I’m setting them in my basement (as you’ll see in the photos). I’m excited to clear away some time to work on them.
3. Some vintage hardware for a dresser. Finding a dresser from 1910 with all of its hardware intact is a rare thing, and replacing old, authentic hardware does not come cheap. That’s why it’s so exciting to find a piece of furniture with all of its original knobs or handles.
4. Some old furniture pieces. A couple of dressers, an old vanity, a small bookshelf, and a couple of neat tables. All with such potential!
5. A subscription to HGTV Magazine. Now this one’s not scary at all — just motivation to get off my behind and get moving on all these pieces (see bullets 2, 3 and 4).
Now I know most people would be appalled to get this “junk” as gifts, but I’m thrilled! Some of these pieces I will sell, some I will keep, but all will be better off than when I started.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder — but I may be a little farsighted.
For my mom’s birthday I had no idea what to get her. She, of course, said she didn’t want a thing (not helpful). The only thing I heard her say she wanted was something to hang over this antique secretary in her living room. I looked at all kinds of stores and came up with nothing. Her whole house has a Victorian theme so I wanted something to go along with her style.
So my daughter and I crafted her a wreath made out of old book pages. It’s not that hard to make, just time consuming. You also use a ton of glue sticks for your glue gun. You can put anything in the middle, fake flowers or knick knacks, but I used old broken jewelry. I also added a couple of my grandmother’s earrings for a bit of sentimental value. I cut out a round piece of cardboard the size of a soccer ball, then my daughter rolled all of the book pages diagonally, then glued them around the perimeter. Next, we worked our way towards the middle of the circle. Once the pages were all glued-on, we added the jewelry pieces. Three hours later, with some very hot-glue-burnt fingertips we were done. Mom loves it, and it looks great over her secretary.
Have a great weekend everyone!!!
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